Bacon Poppers

prep time: 10 minutes (not including time to make dressing) cook
time: 30 minutes yield: 6 servings

36 jalapeño peppers
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (Kite Hill brand
cream cheese style spread if dairy-free), softened
1 clove garlic, smashed to a paste
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, chives, or other
herbs of choice (optional)
18 strips bacon
½ batch The Best Blue Cheese Dressing (here), for
serving

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.


2. Wash the jalapeños, cut off the stems, and cut the
   peppers in half lengthwise. Clean out the insides of the
   peppers.


3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream
   cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in the herbs, if
   using. Using a butter knife, stuff the peppers with the